Information provided by Cycling For Change

Cycling for Change – The Ultimate Ride to Change America

One in eight Americans lives below the poverty line and the number is increasing. Cycling for Change is a nationwide endeavor to reduce poverty in the United States. Teams of inspired cyclists and community volunteers led by Fr. Matt Ruhl, SJ, pastor of a vibrant urban Kansas City parish, and including Jason Christensen, CEO of Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs, are already making a difference through their involvement with Cycling for Change.

In 100 days from May to September of 2010, the team will cycle from Cape Flattery, Washington, to Key West, Florida – a total of more than 5000 miles – to advocate for the poor.

Catholic Charities USA, the nation’s largest network of social service organizations, serving persons of all faiths, has initiated a multi-faceted approach to reduce poverty in the United States. The CCUSA Campaign to Reduce Poverty has an ambitious goal to decrease the number of families at or below the poverty line by 50% by 2020. The campaign stresses the need for businesses, faith-based organizations, government and individuals to work together to strategically address the systemic causes of poverty in our nation.

Freedom From Poverty Bike Ride

In addition to the national Cycling for Change ride, Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs will be hosting the “ Freedom from Poverty” ride, which will benefit those in our community who need help the most.

The local back-to-back metric century ride will take place over two days, originating at the Marian House in downtown Colorado Springs on July 7th, moving north to Castle Rock to meet the national team, then returning the next day, July 8th, to Colorado Springs with the National Cycling for Change team. Additionally, there will be a Kids Bike Rodeo & Family Fun ride on day two, where families can participate in a 2 – 5 mile family ride and have their children learn bike safety. On July 8th from 1 pm to 8 pm, the Freedom from Poverty Community Celebration will be held in America the Beautiful Park. There will be food and drink – Bristol Brewery will be there with beer and root beer, music from various artists, a bike valet for all who what to come to the event on their bikes, and much more. Check back for more detailed updates in the coming weeks.

For those wanting to participate in the Freedom from Poverty two day bike ride, registration is available by clicking on the following link. Registration is limited to 200 riders.

click here to register for the Freedom from Poverty Bike Ride

Cost is $195 before May 5, and includes:

• a professional event jersey by Primal

• a Polar water bottle

• three aid stations
• overnight accommodations at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Event Center
• Optional Mass & talk with the National C4C team
• 40 pounds of gear to be transported to Castle Rock
• dinner & breakfast
• SAG & mechanical support
• tickets for beer or root beer from Bristol Brewery at the Freedom from Poverty Community Event

After May 5, registration is $150 and does not include a jersey. There may be an option to purchase one, but supplies will be limited.

Teams registering with 4+ people will receive a 15% discount off the registration and will be recognized at the event.

Click here for the entire Cycling for Change route:

National C4C Route Detail

Local Freedom from Poverty Route Detail

Local funds raised will be used for the vital services of Marian House where:

• more than 600 meals are served most days in the soup kitchen to families, seniors, veterans and disabled persons on a fixed income, the working poor and the homeless
• more than 2,800 individuals are seen in Client Services, receiving case management services, given access to a clothing closet and receive help with getting IDs and birth certificates
• more than 21,700 adults and children receive support from Life Support Services with items such as baby food, formula, diapers and clothing
• more than 350 families receive help with furniture, small appliances, food boxes and rental and utility assistance

Cycling for Change Exposure through Sponsorship

Become a Sponsor!!

Viral Marketing

Web site

New Media: Facebook, Twitter. Rider Blogs
Access to national Catholic Charities affiliates
Support and Gear (SAG) vehicle wraps
Official team apparel
Official team products/services
Sponsorship benefits

National Media Exposure
Local and regional opportunities
Newspapers and magazines
Online articles

Click on the file below for details: local sponsorship levels rev

For these and other exciting opportunities, email rochelle@ccharitiescs.org or call 719.866.6443.